Why Has PRP Become Such a Popular Treatment Option for Pain?
Jun 02, 2025
If you're dealing with lingering joint pain or a nagging sports injury, you've probably heard about platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This regenerative therapy has gained significant traction over the last decade. But what’s behind the buzz?
It’s simple: PRP uses your body’s own healing ability to target pain at its source. Many patients are turning to it as a natural, minimally invasive alternative to surgery or long-term medication. At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, our board-certified pain management specialist, Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, can answer any questions about PRP and how it may help you.
PRP therapy starts with a small blood draw. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the tiny cell fragments, called platelets, responsible for clotting and healing. Once separated, these platelets are injected directly into the injured area.
The concentrated dose delivers a powerful boost of growth factors. Those growth factors reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair, pushing your body toward healing and away from chronic pain.
Let’s face it, surgery is not the first choice for most people. Among long recovery times, anesthesia risks, and post-operative pain, it's understandable that patients often seek alternatives. PRP offers a nonsurgical option that promotes healing with minimal downtime.
It serves as a valuable middle-ground treatment when physical therapy alone is not enough, but surgery feels too extreme.
For example, someone with early osteoarthritis in the knee may use PRP to delay or even avoid joint replacement. Athletes recovering from tendon injuries often turn to PRP to get back in the game faster.
PRP helps reduce pain and improve function. It isn’t a miracle cure, but it can make a meaningful difference for the right person.
In particular, PRP has shown promise in treating:
And that's just the start. As research expands, so does the list of conditions PRP may help manage.
Some patients notice improvement within weeks, while others may need multiple treatments to see full benefits. The common thread, however, is a reduction in pain and a better quality of life.
Since PRP comes from your own body, there’s little risk of allergic reaction or rejection. That’s a major plus, especially when compared to steroid injections, which can cause tissue damage with repeated use.
Side effects from PRP are usually minimal. You might feel some soreness at the injection site, but serious complications are rare. That peace of mind makes it easier for patients to say yes to treatment.
PRP isn’t a stand-alone fix. However, when combined with physical therapy, activity modifications, or other treatments, it can enhance outcomes and speed up recovery.
Dr. Arora often recommends PRP as part of a larger plan. The goal is to treat pain holistically, strengthening weak areas, reducing inflammation, and supporting long-term healing. PRP plays a key role in that approach.
PRP has become a popular pain treatment because it’s effective, low-risk, and taps into the body’s natural healing ability. It offers hope for people tired of living with pain but are not ready or willing for surgery.
And in today’s healthcare landscape, that makes perfect sense. Call the office or book an appointment online today to explore all your options for using PRP to manage your pain.